What are the Symptoms of Esophagus Problems?
October 9, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Esophageal problems can cause a range of symptoms related to difficulties in the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. Common symptoms of esophageal issues may include:
- Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing or the sensation that food is sticking or getting caught in the throat or chest.
- Pain or Discomfort: Pain or discomfort in the chest, usually behind the breastbone (sternum), often described as burning or squeezing (heartburn). It can also be felt in the neck or upper abdomen.
- Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest or upper abdomen, often after meals or when lying down, due to stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus.
- Regurgitation: Bringing up food, liquid, or acidic stomach contents into the mouth, sometimes accompanied by a bitter or sour taste.
- Chronic Cough: A persistent cough, especially at night, which can be caused by acid reflux irritating the esophagus or aspiration of stomach contents into the airways.
- Hoarseness or Sore Throat: Persistent hoarseness or a scratchy throat, often due to irritation from acid reflux affecting the voice box.
- Sensation of a Lump in Throat: Feeling like there is a lump or something stuck in the throat (globus sensation).
- Difficulty in Burping or Belching: Trouble expelling gas from the stomach, leading to discomfort or pressure in the chest or upper abdomen.
- Bad Breath (Halitosis): Persistent unpleasant breath odor due to acid reflux or stagnant food in the esophagus.
- Regurgitation of Blood: In severe cases, vomiting blood or finding blood in the stool, indicating potential bleeding in the esophagus or upper gastrointestinal tract.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying, which could be a sign of a more serious esophageal condition.
- Chronic Hiccups: Prolonged and frequent hiccups, which can sometimes be associated with esophageal irritation.
If you experience persistent or concerning symptoms related to your esophagus, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. Conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophagitis, esophageal strictures, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal cancer can cause these symptoms and require appropriate medical management and treatment.